20 David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD GOD, MY GOD, IS WITH YOU. HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU OR FORSAKE YOU UNTIL ALL THE WORK for the service of the temple of the Lord IS FINISHED. 1 Chronicles 28
This was a time of transition in the leadership of God’s people, often a risky time. King David was stepping down after forty years as leader of Israel and his son Solomon was to succeed him. God had sustained David and His people in the face of constant hostility by many enemies and given David victory over them all. But now the time for change had come and a young Solomon, whose name means “peaceful” and “friend of God”, would rule in his place. The hard lessons David had to learn as a guerilla fighter and military commander would no longer be applicable. Solomon would build on the foundation of his father’s work, but his reign would be very different and he would lead in his own way.
6 We have different gifts, according to the GRACE GIVEN TO EACH OF US. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; IF IT IS TO LEAD, DO IT DILIGENTLY; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12
Paul by the Spirit pointed out in Romans 12 how New Testament believers were to function ACCORDING TO THE GRACE GIVEN TO EACH ONE. The mark of the leader should be diligence, WHICH APPLIES TO EVERYONE, but especially to those with a leadership calling. The young Solomon at the beginning of his reign asked God for, ‘wisdom and knowledge that I may lead this people’. 2 Chronicles 1:10 God anointed Solomon so he might be a blessing to the people he ruled over for God.
23-24 Riches can disappear fast. And the king’s crown doesn’t stay in his family forever—so watch your (business) interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds; Proverbs 27 The Living Bible
28 “Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for. Acts 20 The Message
The Bible warns us that in both the business world and in the things of the Kingdom we need to be constantly alert. The devil wants us to fall, but God wants to give each of us His Grace to succeed in every situation.
”Pray like it all depends on God, but work like it all depends on you”, may be good advice for Believers.
24 ‘“‘The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.’”
27 ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ Numbers 6
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.